Green March: Morocco celebrates five decades of resilience, perseverance, unity, inclusive development

Moroccans of all walks of life celebrate on this November 6th the 50th anniversary of the “Green March” that was launched by late King Hassan II, a unique peaceful march which enabled the Kingdom to retrieve its southern provinces that were under Spanish dominion.

On this day in Moroccan history, 350,000 unarmed Moroccan volunteers, including men, women and children, had walked hundreds of Kilometers, carrying flags and the Holy Quran into Moroccan Sahara, marking the end of Spanish rule over the territory. No shots were fired and not a single drop of blood was shed.

Five decades later, this historical epic still resonates as unparalleled act of patriotism, unity, and celebration of mobilization of the Moroccan people behind their King to defend their territorial integrity.

When Morocco retrieved its Saharan territory fifty years ago, it was a bare desert. But few years later it turned into one of the most developed regions in the Kingdom thanks to the huge investments injected in building modern roads, highways, hospitals, schools, stadiums, desalination plants, ports, airports…

With these modern infrastructures combined with political stability and sustained economic, the Moroccan Sahara has become an attractive hub for investors in renewable energies, fisheries, agribusiness, tourism… It has also become a gateway to African markets.

This year’s celebration of the Green March comes amid a major diplomatic victory made by Morocco at the UN Security Council which adopted on October 31 a resolution endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara under the Kingdom’s sovereignty.

Adopted with 11 votes in favor, none against and three abstentions – Algeria refused to take part in the vote. This victory is not only the result of the steadfast support of Morocco’s strategic allies including the United States, France, UK, Spain and several partners around the globe, but it is also the culmination of the royal visionary leadership, its strategic consistency, credibility and global trust leading to international recognition of the Moroccan autonomy plan, which has become a benchmark at the United Nations.

The celebrations of the Green March will have this year a taste of victory following the UN Security Council clear support for the Moroccan autonomy plan under the Kingdom’s sovereignty. The Council’s support comes in resolution 2797/2025 adopted on October 31. This date has become National Holiday in Morocco.

Dubbed “Unity Day”, this new annual National Day is dedicated to the celebration of Moroccan unity, cohesion and territorial integrity. Its announcement was made Tuesday by the Royal Office in statement.